File photo / Reuters

Cutting across their political affiliations and support groups, leaders of all major political parties were unanimous in condemning the incidents of violence witnessed outside a Brampton Hindu temple on Nov. 3.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leader of the official Opposition Conservative Pierre Poilievre, and leader of the NDP, the fourth largest party in the House of Commons, Jagmeet Singh, condemned acts of violence that allegedly took place after a group of supporters of Khalistan and raising slogans against India clashed with a group of Hindus carrying tricolours, the Indian flag.

Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh were joined by the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown in assailing the acts of violence. They all appreciated the action taken by the Peel Region Police for acting swiftly in the matter and preventing the situation from deteriorating any further.

The Police said that it was investigating the case and that those behind the acts of violence would be apprehended. While no immediate arrests had been made after police intervened and restored order, they later announced that three individuals had been arrested and criminally charged.

Justin Trudeau said on X that “the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton  are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.”

Pierre Poilievre also said on X, “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.”

The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024

Jagmeet Singh reacted on X, ” Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford commented on X, “The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton this afternoon is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship. Thank you to @PeelPolice for their quick response and for helping to keep our communities safe.”

Mayor of Brampton also responded on X, “I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha in #Brampton. Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship. I have full confidence @ChiefNish and the professionals at the  @PeelPolice will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence. Those found guilty should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.”

Several videos went viral on social media, showing demonstrators holding pro-Khalistan banners and clashing with the devout inside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Some of those inside the temple, holding India's national flag, stepped out to prevent the demonstrators from entering. The videos depict fist fights and people striking each other with bamboo sticks on what appears to be the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

pic.twitter.com/YqbSU3YAki

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 4, 2024

Since the Peel Regional Police had some input about the protests or demonstrations, it had made some deployments in the area and later arrested individuals related to the incident. In a tweet on  X , it said that it was aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.

"We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts," Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X after the videos began circulating. "Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged."

A similar protest was held in British Columbia also where the Indian Consulate had announced the holding of a camp for the benefit of the Indian pensioners now living in Canada. Supporters of the Khalistan, who had been demanding the closing of Indian Consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, came out in numbers to protest the holding of these camps, which were organised in the precincts of places of worship.